My New Sewing Buddy
While Gabriel was on a playdate today, Lorelai completed her first ever sewing project(s). Hair bows! She was so methodical and curious, wanting to use the proper terms for everything. I'm so excited to see her enthusiasm for a hobby that means so much to me. Sewing on my first machine. Creating beautiful memories that I will cherish forever.
Lorelai's 6th Birthday
Yesterday Lorelai turned six years old. Somehow, this week, six seems like such a big number. We have had six years of her infectious laughter ringing through the house. Six years of nonstop talking and singing (regardless of whether or not you could always understand what she was saying). Six years of acting older than her age to keep up with her brother. Six years of her hugs and kisses. Six years of getting to know this incredibly sharp, intelligent, witty, creative, kind, generous, opinionated, confident, and darling little girl of ours. Six. Six of the most amazing years of my life being her mom.
Hannah + Horseback Riding
When Lorelai was three she announced that she wanted to take horseback riding lessons. At first I dismissed it as the whims of a three year old, but she kept after me...hounding me really, to take her. We happen to have a riding facility right near us, so I made a call and got everything set up. When we arrived we met Hannah, whose bubbly personality swept my daughter up in the excitement of it all, and after a couple hours she trusted this young woman to put her up on a giant horse. My three year old...on a horse!!!
Three years later, she is still up on a horse. She doesn't look quite as tiny now, as a matter of fact...on a horse is when Lorelai looks the tallest to me. Not because she's up high, but because she's confident, focused, and determined. I wish I could take credit for all of that gumption. Some of it is parenting, a lot of it is natural drive, and a heap of it is due to Hannah.
When Lorelai grows up she wants to be Hannah. On career day she dresses up in jods and puts her hair in a ponytail. Sadly, we learned yesterday that Hannah is taking a job at a new facility, in a different state, but we will always be grateful for the path she set Lorelai on.
Lorelai likes to take the summers off from riding, but she had a couple of private lessons she received for Christmas and Hannah was kind enough to squeeze one in with Lorelai before she leaves. It meant the world to Lorelai, and I know she'll treasure that lesson forever. Thank you, Hannah! You'll be missed more than you know, and best of luck. They're really lucky to have you!
PreK Blessing
Today with a sweet Blessing Service Lorelai is now officially a Kindergartner. Congratulations, kiddo! We are so very proud of you and your thirst for knowledge.
Bubbles
I volunteered to be in charge of the school Fun Day, which took place last Friday. Beforehand I collected a bunch of supplies, one of which was a professional bubble machine. While Lorelai was home sick with a fever and sore throat we tested it out and had fun popping some bubbles.
Spring
Spring means time in the hot tub, and this year we added a nice cantilever umbrella so we can play all day without needing to lather on sunscreen constantly. And when we're done in the hot tub we hang out on the porch with some snacks.
Gabriel is going through a phase where he doesn't like to show his teeth in pictures. He's not used to how his "new" adult teeth look in pictures yet.
HTCS Christmas Program 2015
I'm so proud of both my kids for their performances in the Christmas Program last night. But, especially for Gabriel who conquered some big fears. Way to go, kiddo!!! I know how hard you worked to do that and it makes me so proud.
1) That's Gabriel's teacher in the second video saying, "He's grown up so much, Momma!" LOVE HER! And yes, he really has!
2) Apparently I had no idea how to use the video feature on my "new" Canon so I thought I was recording Gabriel's first song...and...I wasn't. Oops!
3) Look at the smile on his face!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
4) Lorelai sang that "Come Adore on Bended Knee" song every day over and over for the last month. Next goal...teach her a new song. ;)
5) Both kids think it's hilarious that I cut off the word peace at the end of the second video because it sounds like "Prince of Pee." Oh...to have the humor of a 5 and 6 year old. Love these little munchkins of mine.
PreK Pumpkin Patch Field Trip - 2015
This week it was Lorelai's turn for a Pumpkin Patch field trip. We headed to the Parkhurst Ranch in Arcadia and had a lovely time. We were the only school in attendance so the kids had free reign which was fantastic. We first spent some time in the little petting zoo.
They had goats, a donkey, geese, ducks, pigs, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, ponies and an alpaca. Lorelai wasn't very into the idea of feeding or petting the animals, but she enjoyed watching them do their thing. The geese were a great source of amusement running around honking at everyone.
Then we went on a hayride with the class, but due to close quarters I only have a closeup shot of Lorelai in which you can't possibly tell that we're on a hay ride. Oh well...she's super cute with or without hay.
After the hayride the kids played in a giant fort and before we knew it it was time to leave. Lorelai picked out our free pumpkins and decided she'd rather spend the day with mom running errands than head back to school. We headed to Hobby Lobby where she picked out some colors for her costume so I finally have the supplies in hand. Now it's just time to get to work!
Lorelai's 5th Birthday
This little cutie turned 5 at the end of August, and I really just can't believe it. I think in my mind she sort of froze at 3. I guess my mind wants to keep her my little baby. But, this confident, vivacious, enthusiastic, sweet, caring, intelligent, opinionated, beautiful, passionate kiddo is growing right before my eyes. I'm so impressed with who she is becoming. At the beginning of this school year she struggled with adjusting to new classmates and friends who weren't interested in playing the games she wanted to play, so being the smarty she is, she asked me to help her devise a plan to get the kiddos on board while ensuring that the other kids still had ownership of their roles in the game. (Granted, not in that exact phrasing, but you get the gist.) Low and behold...a plan was discussed, developed and executed. That one little thing alone shows you how far she's going to go in life. If she can continue to harness those smarts, with the passion she has for others, her considerate attitude and her bravery to face the situations she finds intimidating or defeating...there is no holding this little adorable whirlwind back. I'm so proud to have such an amazing daughter.
Being the fantastic decision maker she is, Lorelai chose to have a tea party by the pool at her Aunt Angie and Uncle Matt's house. I made the table decorations, cloth napkins, and flag bunting per her instructions, and Angie did a fantastic job with the food, table settings, and the remaining decor, and a party game!!! And she set it all up while Grandma Wood and I were taking Lorelai to the American Girl store to get her first AG doll.
We had so much fun celebrating, and really appreciate everyone hosting us for both Lorelai's and my birthdays. We had a grand time!
Cupcakes
So, total Mommy fail...but somehow I must have deleted the pictures of Lorelai's actual 5th birthday. Ugh. Imagine me beating my head against the wall. Luckily we have her birthday party coming up soon so I'll be able to get some spectacular pictures then. So, I guess, at least it's not a total fail. But, to top that fail off I bought cupcakes that Lorelai ended up not really liking for her on her actual birthday. :/
I felt bad so yesterday after school I took them to their favorite local cupcake shop. I was forgiven. ;) They have spinning stools...
and of course the cupcakes are delish!
Hopefully I'm more on top of my Mommy game at her birthday party. Keep your fingers crossed.